Mineola Resident Walks to Pacific Ocean

Mineola resident Anthony Nicaj started his cross-country walk back in April and finished on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011. Some friends started a Facebook group to follow him on his journey, and Anthony used a GPS tracking system to keep them posted.

His final entry from Strawberry Bay in Washington State on October 2 was “Done.” Anthony spent his days on the road; his nights were spent sleeping in his tent, in strangers’ homes and backyards, in VFW halls, YMCAs and firehouses. He even spent time on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.

Anthony has been the subject of a few local newspapers along the way. As quoted in the Dyersville Commercial (Iowa), Nicaj said: “I studied literature at New York State University in Geneseo, N.Y. I want the experience of finding good people. That’s what it’s all about. The walking gets pretty laborious, but I know this is the best way to meet people... I’ve met a few bad apples, but most people have been great.”

He has taken pictures and posted them online and says he plans to write a series of essays after he has time to reflect.

From Anthony: “To everyone who's encouraged me and helped me on this trip, thank you for sharing your love, kindness, and incredible generosity.”

Welcome home, Anthony; we missed you.